Controversy: January 2007 Archives

In the new issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine, the back page "The Final Cut" column by Mark Harris offers a very outspoken viewpoint of the entire "Grey's Anatomy" situation involving Isaiah Washington which he refers to as "the Official Entertainment Remorse Machine - the denial, then the half-baked small apology, then the more impressive, bigger, "I'm scared" apology with a side order of corporate rebuke, presumably followed by regret-soaked on-air interviews and a group hug."
"For get my skepicism, but I'm not a huge fan of apologies that come only after the evident threat to one's livelihood; I have difficulty believing that they spring spontaneously from a troubled soul...So at the risk of sounding uncharitable, let me hold off on accepting that apology for a moment...[and] mention a few regrets of my own:
- I'm sorry that the first time this happened, Shondra Rhimes, whose commitment to on-air diversity is evident, thought it was okay to write this off as a private affair rather than immediately let the offended fans of her show know how hateful she thought the epithet was.
- I'm sorry that T.R. Knight, the target of Washington's slur who came out following the incident, didn't have the instant, unqualified and loudly public support of every one of his colleagues.
- I'm sorry that ABC took half the TV season to remind itself that of it's corporate responsibility.
- I'm sorry that not a single sponsor of 'Grey's Anatomy' had the guts to speak up, even last week.
- I'm sorry that so many actors choose - and it is, whatever they tell themselves, a self-serving choice - to stay in the closet, since the more out actors there are, the less okay homophobia in entertainment becomes.
- I'm sorry that there aren't more gay characters on television: I don't want quotas or tokens, but I do think that shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Lost' and 'Heroes,' which pride themselves on the variety of their ensembles, could expand their vision to better reflect their world, since series raning from 'The Office' to 'The Wire' have shown that it's not so hard.

For those of you closely following the "Grey's Anatomy" situation involving Isaiah Washington's use of the word "faggot" toward fellow cast member T.R. Knight, it appears that ABC is giving the actor the opportunity to work on his issues and enter counseling. I imagine it is to deal with anger issues. Many already consider this to be a face-saving and job-saving measure and question the sincereity of it all. At any rate, these are the latest statements released around lunchtime:

STATEMENT FROM Isaiah Washington:
“With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again. I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and I remain committed to transforming my negative actions into positive results, personally and professionally.�

The wonderfully snarky site Defamer.com is referring to the treatment as "going to gayhab."

Statement from Shonda Rhimes, executive producer of Grey's Anatomy:
"I speak for all the executive producers here at Grey's Anatomy when I say that Isaiah Washington's use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference.
We’ve been working within the Grey’s family as well as with ABC and Touchstone Television to address the issue in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing. We applaud and encourage Isaiah's realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues.
We appreciate the support the fans have always given our show, particularly during this stressful time. Creatively, we continue to strive to make the best television we can with the hope that our show reflects the talent, hard work and professionalism of our cast and crew. "

AfterElton.com editor Michael Jensen, who has done some stellar reporting and commentary on this situation, weighed in with this comment today: "Hmm, I guess Ms. Rhimes was so shocked and dismayed she wasn’t able to speak for months on end. Well, she was able to speak up if it was to imply the media were making things up (hi, Shonda!) or to decry the idea that Washington could simply be replaced with another black actor (definitely an offensive notion). So what do you think of Ms. Rhimes’ statement? Too little, too late? Or thanks, let’s move on now?
BTW, anyone else think the troops in Iraq have a better chance of coming home before the Superbowl than Isaiah does of losing his job now?"

This just in.
Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Kevin Jennings, founder and executive director of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) today met with Grey's Anatomy co-star Isaiah Washington in Los Angeles. The three discussed Washington's uses of an anti-gay slur and laid the groundwork for an ongoing partnership to combat the prejudice and intolerance faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
At the beginning of the meeting – which came on the first day of GLSEN's annual No Name-Calling Week – Washington candidly acknowledged the harm he had caused by his repeated use of the epithet.
"Isaiah understands that he is going to be judged by more than just his apology," Giuliano said. "He knows that his future actions – including the genuine first step that today's meeting represents – will demonstrate his sincerity in becoming part of the solution to anti-gay bigotry. We welcome the opportunity to work with him in the coming months to help improve the cultural climate faced by LGBT people across this country."
Said Jennings: "GLSEN is thankful to ABC for arranging the meeting and hopeful that Isaiah Washington has come to a deeper understanding of the power of words, especially as we launch No Name-Calling Week in schools across the country," Jennings said. "As a parent himself, Isaiah Washington seemed to particularly appreciate the impact these words have on young people in schools and expressed an interest in becoming an ally in GLSEN 's effort to educate young people about the negative impact of name-calling and bullying."

GLAAD and GLSEN expect to meet with Washington again in the coming weeks to begin discussing and implementing possible public education initiatives.

- No word from Washington's new publicists or ABC.

My front page piece on "Grey's Anatomy" in today's Daily News has prompted a lot of newsroom discussion about the use of the word "faggot" which we have used in print and online is covering the Isaiah Washington story. Some wondered why we would print the word when an equally offensive word like "nigger" is written as "the N word." That's a good question and not one I have an answer to at this point. I felt we should print it because it is jarring to see the word in all of its ugliness and without printing the word, how can we advance discussion about how offensive it is to gay people? I would love if in American society, "faggot" was routinely refered to as "the other F word" (unfortunately, "the F word" is already taken and we all know what word that signifies.).

Anyway, readers a weighed in on the subject and the overall controversy and I wanted to share with you some of their thoughts: D. Dupuis writes: I take issue with your statement that the slur used by Isaiah Washington has something to do with "political correctness" (as quoted below).
It's about BIGOTRY, as would be the case if Washington had been referred to as a "nigger."
"But the actor, now firmly in the center of a growing firestorm involving political correctness and professional behavior, changed course and issued a lengthy apology to Knight, his colleagues, the show's fans and "especially" the gay and lesbian community for his use of the word "faggot."

Another reader asks this question: How does this differ from the richards fiasco and why does he deserve 2 apologizes when everyone is ready to throw richards to the wolves for his ranting about blacks?

Lori writes: What I would like to know is how many times do you think that Mr. Knight or anyone else for that matter could get away with call Isaiah the "N" word? That man is a PIG, he deserves to be fired NOW!!! Or, maybe, for his punishment they could get him and Rosie O'Donell together for a little chat.

But Matthew Kleinsasser of Maui Hawaii writes: Come on guys, how about the other side. You covered the folks that are incensed by the use of a word. And you covered the guy that is trying to keep his public appearance as clean as possible. But, what about the 80 or so percent of the real people that are not incensed by the use of a word and do not hold personalities more responsible morally than they do each other. Why not include the third side from those of us that actually watch the show and actors? See if the silent majority judges them like the vocal minority does or, if we understand that it is a word and not a spear.

Then there is Larry, who seems to prefer that the issue not be covered at all: Greg, I'm deeply offended at your gay agenda as evidenced by a second article in the Daily News within a couple of weeks. It is clear that a small but vocal minority of people, with support of Hollywood and the news media, are attempting to legitimize homosexuality. No matter how much publicity you try to create, it is still a sexual perversion.

I'd love for the readers of OUT IN HOLLYWOOD to weight in. Send me your comments!

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, who has been on top of the Isaiah Washington-T.R. Knight controversy, was smart enough to catch up with Neil Patrick Harris at a CBS press tour event in Pasadena yesterday to ask his this out actor's thoughts on it:
Said Harris: “It’s disappointing. T.R. has proven himself to be an incredibly classy, dignified guy.�
The "How I Met Your Mother Star" told Ausiello that he was impressed with how Knight's co-star and close friend Katherine Heigl became te first "Grey's Anatomy" cast member to slam Washington for his behavior at the Golden Globe Awards on Monday.
Ausiello asked Harris what he thinks should happen to Washington now: “It’s impossible for me to make any comment about that because I wasn’t there when it happened.

Readers of Out in Hollywood were getting the breaking news on the Isaiah Washington-T.R. Knight story yesterday as it broke throughout the day. But I wasn't just blogging on this, I was working on a front-page story for today's Los Angeles Daily News on the controversy. Check it out at dailynews.com

Click HERE to see the Golden Globes moment that reignited the controversy.

Here is his statement:
“I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance.  By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on Grey’s Anatomy.  I can neither defend nor explain my behavior.  I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help. 
I know the power of words, especially those that demean.  I realize that by using one filled with disrespect I have hurt more than T.R. and my colleagues.   With one word, I’ve hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted.  I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I’ve opened.
T.R.’s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character.  I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity.�

UPDATE: 5:17 p.m.
GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano today released the following statement after having received a response from Isaiah Washington apologizing for his use of the word “faggot� on the set of Grey's Anatomy in October 2006 and at the 64th Annual Golden Globe® Awards on Jan. 15, 2007:

“We are encouraged by Isaiah Washington's statement today, and optimistic that it may mark a turning point in this deeply troubling situation. His acknowledgement of his actions -- and of the hurt and harm his actions have caused -- is an important first step toward healing his relationships with his castmates, his fans, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“Mr. Washington has scheduled a meeting with us for early next week, and we look forward to exploring opportunities for moving forward together and healing some of the wounds of the past four months.�

ABC is now weighing in on the Golden Globe incident during which Isaiah Washington took the microphone backstage and said to the world press: "I did not call T.R. (Knight) a faggot. It never happened."
Knighjt said on Wednesday's "Ellen DeGeneres Show" that Washington had indeed referred to him by the gay slur and the now out actor added: "Everybody heard it."
Here is the ABC statement:
“We have a long standing policy to create and maintain respectful workplaces for all our employees. We dealt with the original situation in October, and thought the issue resolved. Therefore, we are greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, that he himself deemed “unfortunate� in his previous public apology. We take this situation very seriously, and his actions are unacceptable and are being addressed.�

AfterElton.com editor Michael Jensen has just posted a strong piece on his site about the Isaiah Washington-T.R. Knight situation, which escalated this week to unimagined levels after Washington said backstage at Monday's Golden Globe Awards that he did not call Knight "a faggot." Knight was on Ellen DeGeneres' show Wednesday and said that, yes, Washington had called him that name on-set.

Jensen asked Paris Barclay (pictured, above), the widely respected out director, producer, and a vice president of the Director's Guild of America, what action should be taken against Washington by ABC and by the show. Barclay did not mince words: “Here's what needs to happen: ABC, from Steve McPherson [ABC President] on down, need to condemn this kind of hate-speak, and Isaiah needs to be fired. It's just that simple. He needs to go. He's a homophobe and a liar, and no matter how important he may appear to be, there has to be a line on what behavior is acceptable both on the set and when representing the show to the press.�

When asked how he would've handled the situation, Barclay, currently working on FX's "Dirt" and CBS's "CSI." said: “We'd figure out a way to work out the contract issues, and write the actor out as quickly as possible. Actors with addiction problems have been let go unceremoniously -- this to me is much worse.�

Neither ABC or Washington's publicist had comment Wednesday.
Stay tuned. In the meantime, go over to AfterElton.com and read Jensen's strongly-worded article.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has been mum on the months-long controversy involving "Grey's Anatomy" co-stars Isaiaih Washington and T.R. Knight, a controversy Washington reignited backstage at the Golden Globe Awards Monday by denying that he ever called Knight a "faggot" as has been widely reported. Now that Knight himself has confirmed the incident with an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," GLAAD Executive Director Neil Guiliano states the following:

“When Isaiah Washington uses this kind of anti-gay slur–whether on set or in front of the press–it does more than create a hostile environment for his castmates and the crew of Grey’s Anatomy,� Giuliano said .�It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm’s way.�

“As Ellen pointed out in her discussion with T.R., this is a word that’s used to abuse kids on school playgrounds,� Giuliano said. “We also know that, tragically, this sometimes can be the last word people hear before they’re attacked, beaten and possibly even killed. Washington’s repeated use of it on-set and in the media is simply inexcusable.�

Giuliano said that GLAAD is contacting Washington’s representatives today to arrange a meeting with him. “We want to sit down with him and give him an opportunity to raise public awareness about the destructive impact of these kinds of anti-gay slurs. Over the past four months Washington has become part of a significant problem of anti-gay prejudice in this country. He has an opportunity now to be part of the solution."

Somehow, I don't see Washington showing up for any meetings with GLAAD anytime soon unless his job is threatened.

Good morning. I was wrong about the T.R. Knight appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" being taped before the explosive backstage fireworks at Monday's Golden Globe Awards involving his "Grey's Anatomy" co-star Isaiah Washington. Knigfht addresses this with Ellen and Washington comes off looking even worse than we thought. This transcript from Eurweb.com has Ellen asking him about the on-set incident in October when Washington refered to to Knight as a "faggot" which got leaked to the press and resulted in Knight coming out publicly:

To see a clip of the appearance, click HERE and check out what was posted today on YouTube.

Ellen: So here's the thing.  Some of you may know the story, some of you may
not know the story.
Ellen: How long ago did this happen?  
T.R.: Early October
Ellen: So Patrick Dempsey and Isaiah Washington are on the set.  A scene is
about to start and they start getting in a fight and words..
T.R: Not because I was late.
Ellen: And Isaiah Washington says what to Patrick Dempsey?
T.R: He referred to me as a faggot.
Ellen: As a faggot?
T.R: Yes
Ellen: So you're around the corner and hear this?
T.R: It's an awesome word isn't it? (joking)  
Ellen: It is.  It really is unbelievable. It's bad enough in school yards that happens but, grown men
T.R.: Everyone heard it.
Ellen: He said this horrible, hateful word and it puts you in this position because your weren't out and then everyone on the set is hearing this and then you …
T.R: I was under no delusions.. my friends on the set knew.  We talked about it.. they knew.  I was not under any delusion that they didn't know but I think publicly it's not my thing to like call up People Magazine and be like hey you want to know something about me?  You know, I think when it happened the incident) I've never been called it and you know you go through things in life and you lose friends when you go through the process whatever your journey is but I've never been called that to my face.  So, I think when that happened something shifted and it became bigger you know what I mean, then myself.  I look to people like you (Ellen) and it's April right almost ten years (when Ellen came out) to your bravery and others people's bravery and your just really grateful for that because I could've just let it slide and not said anything but it became important.
Ellen: And it became a thing in the press because of the fight
 T.R: To say something, It became important to make the statement…

---
On the recent Golden Globe incident
Ellen: And then the other night at the Golden Globes I guess Isaiah Washington starting up the whole thing up again which is kind of crazy…
T.R.: Yeah, he denied that he said it (faggot)..I don't know what to say…really about that.
Ellen: I don't either, other than it seems like at this point and time we should not say hateful words to one another and we should all learn…
Ellen: I just wish you continued success and that this is out of the way and that people stop saying hateful things to one another or just using that word is dangerous.
T.R.: It is and I don't know what to say about it but it's pretty bad..
Ellen: But I'm proud of you, you're a brave guy.
T.R.: But, thanks to you.. it was ten years ago... but it just made all the difference in the world..
Ellen: It was a different time and things are getting better.
T.R: I was recently watching some of your interviews from that time and it was just .. It was so..I'm losing me words and I apologize it's just very moving and it just meant so much.
Ellen: Well, what your doing is going to mean something to other people that are seeing that because you're an amazing guy, so I'm proud of you.

T.R._Knight

"Access Hollywood" caught up with "Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl and she is taking a stand against her "Grey's" co-star Isaiah Washington after he used a homophobic slur in the Golden Globes press room on Monday night.
"I am not okay with it," Heigl told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson, referring to Washington's remarks.
In the Globes press room on Monday, Washington tried to set the record straight in regards to reports in October of an on-set incident that resulted from the alleged use of a homophobic slur toward co-star T.R. Knight
After a reporter questioned the validity of the on-set incident, Washington denied his involvement saying, "No, I did not call T.R. a faggot. Never happened, never happened."
In response to Washington's use of the slur when addressing the situation last night, Heigl spoke out. "I'm going to be really honest right now, he needs to just not speak in public. Period. I'm sorry, that did not need to be said, I'm not okay with it," Katherine said.
When asked if she thought it was just an off-the-cuff remark, Heigl added, "I have no idea what it was, I just find it hurtful…I just feel like this is something that should be very much in house we need to deal with and it's among us and the cast and crew and among Shonda [Rimes, show creator] and the producers."
Heigl said that she hoped they work the situation out, making her loyalty to Knight, who plays Dr. George O'Malley on the hit show, clear. "I don't think [Washington] means it the way he comes off…But, T.R. is my best friend. I will throw down for that kid. I will beat you up. I will use every ounce of energy I have to take you down if you hurt his feelings," she said. When asked if she thought Knight was hurt by Washington's comments she added, "I don't see how you could not be under those circumstances. Drawing attention to it and saying the word again is just unnecessary."
After making his comments in the press room, Washington came straight to Access Hollywood's Billy Bush and Nancy O'Dell to explain. "There is no way I could do anything so vile, and so horrible, not only to a castmate, but to a fellow human being," he insisted.
When asked what spurred his comments on the October incident Washington told Bush, "It's the truth. It did not happen. I was going to hire some other great shiny publicist, but you know what, God laid it on my heart to say it because it was so close. The reports were all wrong. It did not happen. I'm very disappointed that the New York Post actually wrote legitimately about something that was put in a tabloid about some angry person to get some validity to this, and then it just rippled."
I dunno. Washington oughta hire that publicist. He's just digging a bigger hole for himself. He lit a flame over it all over again by grabbing the mic backstage last night and saying what he did. He deserves whatever flak he is getting right now.

What was a triumphant moment for the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" at tonight's Golden Globe Awards (it won for best television drama) got real uncomfortable backstage. The entire cast was standing together and a reporter asked show creator Shondra Rhimes about the friction from last fall. Isaiah Washington and co-star Patrick Dempsey came to blows over co-star T.R. Knight being late to the set.
After reports that Washington had said to Dempsey that he was not "your little faggot like xxxxx" it was soon learned that he was referring to Knight who promptly issued a statement confirming that he is gay.
Knight, who was onstage Monday night, look mortified as Washington took the microphine from Rhimes and said: "No, I did not call T.R. a faggot. It never happened."
People in the room gasped.
Washington has never really explained what went down or apologized. He has simply said that all is well between he and his co-stars. But for him to handle the question this way, I think, shows that all is still not well.

Click HERE to read my earlier interview with Washington about Knight which took place at the American Music Awards.

Good God, I'm away from my computer for a few hours yesterday and miss an entire episode of the Rosie-Trump feud in which Barbara Walters has been dragged into by her "friend" Trump. First of all, Donald, what is a grown man doing going around blabbing whatever Walters allegedly told you about Rosie? You are like a bratty little tattle-tail on a playground and I am finding you increasingly revolting and ridiculous. As you may know, Trump senjt a letter to Rosie highlighting all the "lies" Barbara Walters was involved in etc.
Here is part of it: "Barbara called me from her vacation (I did not call her) in order to apologize for your behavior. " · "To be exact, she said that 'working with her is like living in hell' and, more pointedly, 'Donald never get into the mud with pigs' and, 'don't worry, she won't be here for long," · After running into Walters at Le Cirque and asking how "Rosie was doing," she "sarcastically rolled her eyes and said 'Donald, do you have to ruin my meal.'"
Barbara and Rosie reportedly had a dust-up in the make-up room on Monday because Rosie was miffed that Walters had not publicly called the comb-over bunny a liar. So, Barbara goes on the air Monday and does so.
That brings us to Wednesday's show: Rosie starts the roundtable by saying, "Well, he's at it again..." Everyone roars. Then Barbara Walters says "That poor, pathetic man. He just can't let go. We're moving on." She then high-fived Rosie and Joy and Elizabeth and they went on with the show.
To see the clip, click HERE.

So, Trump, who SERIOUSLY needs to get a life, immediately responds via letter: "Barbara Walters has taken the low road for the sake of her show rather than the sake of morality. She lied with Star Jones and now she has chosen to lie again. She refused to discuss my recent letter because she knows it's true -- and so does Rosie...Barbara has become a sad figurehead dominated by a third-rate comedian and I now wish she had not recently chosen me as one of the "10 Most Fascinating People."
Gawd, I bet she regrets it too...BIGTIME!

I'm getting a little sick of the whole thing myself but how could i not post this painting that Rosie did of the man who has made it a full-time job to insult her in every way for daring to speak her mind. Rosie hasn;t exactly been an angel in all of this as she refered to Trump as a "comb over bunny" yesterday on "The View." She also added: "I love when people say, 'You're fat' like you don't know."
Trump, having the maturity of a first-grader, of course had to respond: "I used the word 'slob,' I used the word 'degenerate,' and I used the words not very smart.' The word 'fat' played a very small role, if any, in my description."
Well, that clears that up Mr. Combover Bunny.
Meanwhile, Sunday's premiere of "The Apprentice" had its lowest season debut ever with just 9.1 million viewers. I obviously was not one of them. But, to be fair, going up against 'Desperate Housewives" and "Brothers & Sisters" on ABC and "Cold Case" and "Without a Trace" on CBS is not gonna leave many viewers available - and certainly not to watch what's his face.

Rosie O'Donnell, back on "The View" after a vacation, looked at the camera during thism morning's hot topics section and said: "Here's my oficial comment:" and made a funny face which seemed to say, "Donald is dirt." "Boy did I hit a nerv e with that guy!" Rosie said.
Click HERE to see the clip, courtesy of TMZ.com.
Barbara Walters, who had initially tried to remain somewhat neutral in the Rosie-Trump fracas, seems to be fed up with Trump running around to every news outlet saying that Barbara really "hates" Rosie and wishes she never hired her for the morning chatfest.Said Walters Monday: "Let me say definitively that everything that he says I say aboyt her is totally untrue."
I gotta think that Trump will keep his trap shut from now on about this battle which began when Rosie made fun of his hideous combover and chastised him for letting Miss USA off the hook after she was busted for being a drunk. Donald responded by calling Rosie "fat" a "slob" and a "mental midget" among other things.
Even his third wife wife, who can barely speak English and is about 100 years younger than her rich hubby, weighed in saying that Rosie "has issues."